Weekly nays, brays and hottest summer days

Facebook Emoji frown: Fighting at DisneyLand in front of kids! Stop that!

Sorry, couldn't let that stumble by without a weekly grumble.

On to better places and things . . .

We've begun work on our upcoming Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration souvenir section at the Times-Gazette. I've already met some amazing people, like 16-year-old Jayden Jackson, an owner and exhibitor who will also relinquish her crown as young Miss Bedford County Fairest of the Fair Saturday night.

Jayden and I were both born around TWHNC time. Yes, she is certainly much younger than this horse show baby.

The award-winning teen has served the county well the last three years as the young Miss Bedford County Fairest of the Fair. We wish her all the joy in her future endeavors.

Look for Jayden's story in the TWHNC section coming out in August.

People really do not realize how difficult it can be competing in a pageant. Here's the thing to remember, even if you don't like pageants . . . if each young girl takes skills learned and moves forward as a positive role model, she's definitely won.

From my few years in teenage pageants, I gained interview skills, learned proper table etiquette and experienced some great friendships. There ya go, and here I am, now a journalist using those interview skills. I'm still working on the table etiquette. Emoji laugh.

Speaking of TWHNC, I'm looking for folks who have collected horse show memorabilia and or souvenirs with a passion. I mean, collected stuff you wouldn't part with for a $1 million. (Well, you know what I mean, that is, sentimental value.)

Get in touch with me, if you're the one! I need to talk with you this week. Email me pixs! Let's get started.

A real supporter of TWHNC-Ross Perot-passed away this week. I remember as a kid hearing people talking about how he would fly into Shelbyville to take people out to nice restaurants and give away gifts. Rest in peace, Mr. Perot.

My event picks for this week are the local Mule and Donkey Show at Calsonic Arena and yard sales being hosted by Thomas Magnet School and Skills Development Services. Go on out and support these great events.

I talked with some great mule show exhibitors at the Celebration grounds on Thursday. Love those braying mules and donkeys! Check out photos in Saturday's Times-Gazette.

To squelch the July heat, I recommend an iced coffee, chicken pecan salad and watermelon slices, all available right here in Shelbyville restaurants and coffee shops. This really is my favorite summer meal, in addition to my mom's spaghetti casserole, of course.

Speaking of southern stuff, my book pick this weekend is by Fannie Flagg, “Can't Wait to Get to Heaven.” I'll let you know next week how it turned out.

Here's your sunshine for the week: Remember, if people talk behind your back, it only means you are two steps ahead. Fannie Flagg-“Fried Green Tomatoes.”